About

Building powerful relationships in schools to empower young people for life

Our Mission

Communities In Schools surrounds students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life

As the nation’s leading dropout prevention organization, Communities In Schools is the only one proven to both decrease dropout rates and increase graduation rates. Since 2001, CIS of Northwest Michigan has served children and their families in the Mancelona Public Schools District. During this time, the graduation rate has risen from 64% (2002) to 91% (2013). Beginning in the 17/18 School Year, CIS of Northwest Michigan expanded services into communities throughout Northwest Michigan. Currently CIS partners with the following school districts:

Mancelona Public Schools

Kalkaska Public Schools

Forest Area Community Schools

Central Lake Public Schools

Suttons Bay Public Schools

East Jordan Public Schools

WHAT DOES COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS DO?

Whether it’s clean clothes, help with school work, or someone to talk to when things get tough, we do whatever it takes to connect students with the relationships and resources they need to succeed.
HOW ARE WE DIFFERENT?

Unlike other programs that operate before or after school, our staff are in schools during the school day. This allows us to partner with teachers, and see what’s going on in students’ lives and in the classroom. Once we know what a student needs, we coordinate with the community – businesses, health care providers, and nonprofits – to bring outside resources inside schools and do whatever it takes to help students succeed.